Programme Manager Horticulture

Programme Manager Horticulture   
As a Programme Manager Horticulture you bring proven professional experience and/or a strong affinity with the horticulture sector. You combine technical knowledge of crop production with an understanding of business realities faced by small and medium sized horticulture companies in challenging and rapidly changing markets. You recognise both the innovative potential of horticulture, including fruit, vegetables and floriculture, and the pressures related to rising costs, stricter regulations and climate change. Are you ready to drive change across the broader horticulture ecosystem, lead our community of experts and make a real impact? This is your opportunity!   

About PUM
PUM is a unique NGO committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. With a network of 1,200 skilled voluntary experts, we collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs in 26 countries and 12 programmes, sharing expertise to strengthen business ecosystems and create economic, social, and environmental value. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the organisations that support them. We believe in the power of collaboration and in the magic that happens when diverse perspectives come together; Together we grow! 

 
The role 
As Programme Manager Horticulture you will be one of the five programme managers in the food programme team, and you will report directly to the Head of Programmes Food. You’ll manage the horticulture programme and translate client requests into clear project proposals, enabling effective matching between clients and skilled experts, in close collaboration with our in-country managers and their team of Representatives. You are responsible for developing programme strategies aligned with organisational goals and partnerships opportunities, building a strong expert community, and ensuring projects are delivered successfully with lasting impact. Your daily activities will be varied and challenging:

• You assess project requests, distinguishing between specialised technical needs and general business support, in consultation with the in-country managers.

• You translate client requests into actionable project proposals and ensure a strong match between client needs and expert skills.

• You develop and guide programme plans with clear propositions to strengthen sustainable and resilient horticulture ecosystems, ensuring alignment with PUM’s goals and evolving priorities, including partnership development.

• You contribute to identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other possible sponsors.

• You monitor programme developments and trends, anticipate future demand, and proactively position experts.

• You are an ambassador for diversity, growing a strong and inclusive expert community and ensuring the right expertise is ready to meet future needs.

• You manage programme data and knowledge, capturing insights and sharing them across projects and the expert community to maximise impact and learning.

• You coordinate project planning, manage data to support efficient delivery, and contribute as a key stakeholder by leveraging your knowledge and network to support the identification and mapping of strategic partnerships.

• You ensure compliance with organisational policies and objectives in all projects.

Who are you? 
As Programme Manager Horticulture you have a good understanding of and direct experience working in relevant value chains,

from open-field and greenhouse production to input use, post-harvest handling, quality standards and market readiness. You are familiar with themes such as food security and food safety, climate-smart strategies, Good Agricultural Practices, water management, resource efficiency and can translate these into opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. You acknowledge the importance of improving productivity, reducing input use and strengthening value chains to enhance competitiveness. 

Does this sound like you?

• You are a proactive, hands-on and strategic thinker with a Bachelor’s or Master’s working and thinking level.

• You bring 10 years of professional experience with horticulture combined with a strong business network in the Netherlands.

• You have experience working with SME s and basic business management processes.

• You have a background in programme management and team leadership; experience working with volunteers is considered a plus.

• You understand the business realities faced by SMEs and small-scale farmers operating in diverse and often challenging environments, and international experience in one or more of PUM’s focus regions is considered an advantage.

• You thrive as a team player, using strong intercultural communication skills to work effectively with a diverse, international group of colleagues.

• You thrive in an organisation in growth and transition and enjoy contributing to further professionalisation.

• You are data-driven, with a strong focus on impact, quality and results, and are comfortable using digital tools, including Microsoft 365 and Dynamics.

• Fluency in Dutch and English is preferred; French and Spanish is an advantage.

• You are available for 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE). 

What we offer?
This position at PUM offers a competitive salary ranging from €4.045 to €5.778 gross per month based on a full-time (37.5 hours) contract. We provide numerous perks, including an 8% holiday allowance, a 13th-month bonus, 'working-from-home' and commuting allowances, 28 days of holiday, a pension plan, a vitality budget, and more. Our stunning office, conveniently located within walking distance of The Hague Central Station, boasts breathtaking views. Pre-screening is part of the selection process. At PUM, we celebrate diversity and inclusion as essential pillars of our organisation. We embrace the uniqueness of each individual, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive by being their authentic selves. 

Ready to make a difference? Join us! 
Becoming a Programme Manager at PUM isn’t just a career move; it’s a chance to drive meaningful change. Working at a volunteer organisation like PUM offers extra fulfilment. In addition to the benefits mentioned, here’s what else awaits you:  

• Building a brighter future: Contribute to the sustainable development of communities, cultivating a profound sense of fulfilment

• Optimal knowledge utilisation: Put your expertise to its best use, making tangible impact on businesses worldwide. 

• Continuous learning: Embrace new perspectives and gain insights by connecting with diverse people and cultures. 

• Building a professional network: Collaborate with a vast network of stakeholders, including institutional funders, government entities, and NGOs. 

• International exposure: Immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, broadening your horizons. 

Ready to shape a brighter tomorrow? Apply and be part of something truly meaningful! 
Please submit your CV and motivation letter in English before 6 October. We encourage you to apply early, as we may close the vacancy onze we have received a sufficient number of qualified candidate.